These days, it’s a common sight to see devotees offering water and Belpatra to the Shivlinga during the sacred month of Shrawan.

Namaste!

Welcome to the world of engrossed readings at www.onindianpath.com. join us in this blog to know more about Shivlinga and it’s significance.

Introduction

Hinduism is the oldest religion to date. It not only teaches us about virtues, righteousness, and faith, but also guides us in the meaningful exploration of different elements of nature. Ultimately, it helps resolve doubts and mental obstacles, awakening us to our spiritual growth.

What is Shivlinga?

In Hinduism, the lingam, a powerful symbol of Lord Shiva, is typically a short cylindrical pillar crafted from materials such as stone, metal, wood, or even precious gems. This sacred form is often set within a disc-shaped platform (Ashoksundari) known as the yoni, its feminine counterpart. The yoni, with its horizontal design, complements the vertical lingam and is ingeniously crafted to channel liquid offerings, allowing them to flow and be collected with reverence.

Significance of Shivlinga

The Vayu Purana states that the Shivlinga embodies the entire universe. It represents the source from which the universe emerges during creation and into which it dissolves at the time of destruction. This cycle of creation and dissolution is symbolized by the Linga.

Thus, the Shivlinga symbolizes the entire energy of the universe. The entire creation is represented by the union of Bindu and Naad—Bindu symbolizing Shakti (energy) and Naad symbolizing Shiva (sound). In my previous blog on Gauri Shankar, we discussed the significance of Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva. This union of Bindu and Naad, or Shakti and Shiva, forms the essence of the Shivlinga. Bindu represents energy, while Naad represents sound, and together, they form the foundation of the entire universe. This is why the Shivlinga is revered as a powerful symbol of this cosmic unity.

If you want to have a majestic Shivlinga for puja at your home, office or workspace, click here.

What is encompassed in the Shivlinga?

Particulalry, Shiva means the most auspicious one and Linga means the light of creation. In Vedas, the word Linga is used for the subtle body. This subtle body is made up of 17 elements.

  • Mind,
  • intellect,
  • five senses,
  • five organs of action and five airs.

Likewise, as per other text, Lord Brahma is situated at the base of Linga, and Lord Vishnu in the middle and Mahadev is situated at the top. Although, it is believed that by worshipping Linga, all the gods and goddesses are worshipped.

Types of Shivlinga

Apparently there are many type sof Shivlingas as explained:

a) Ek mukkha lingaam : it is one faced Shivlinga worshipped widely in Indian sub continent.

b) Chaturmukkha Lingam: It has four faces in cardinal directions.

c) Panchmukkha Lingam : It represents Sadashiv where there are five faces having four faces in four cardinal directions while the fifth one.is on the top of Shivlinga.

d) Ashtottara-sata linga : it has 108 miniature lingam on main Shivlinga.

e) Sahasra lingam : in this 1001 miniature lingas are carved on the main Shivlinga following certain geometric principles(set in 99 vertical lines, 11 horizontal).

Story behind Shivlinga

According to the Shiva Purana, there was once a dispute between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu over who was the supreme being. To resolve this, Lord Shiva manifested a divine Linga of light. Then, he challenged them to find the beginning and end of this pillar of light. After thousands of years of searching, both Brahma and Vishnu were unable to find either the beginning or the end. In the process, they realized that Lord Shiva was the Supreme Being. From that moment onward, the worship of the Linga as a symbol of Shiva’s supreme form began.

Symbolism of Shivlinga

According to the Shiv Purana, Lord Shiva embodies both the complete man and the formless Brahman. The Shivlinga is revered as a symbolic representation of this profound essence. Additionally, the Jyotirlinga symbolizes the entire universe, mirroring the shape of our galaxy as it spirals through the cosmos. In essence, the Shivlinga represents the dynamic movement of celestial bodies within the universe, reflecting the eternal dance of creation and dissolution.

Undoubtedly, the Shivlinga represents the eternal form of Lord Shiva. It is referred to as Linga because it symbolizes the void, sky, infinity, the universe, and the formless supreme being. According to the Skanda Purana, the sky itself is considered the Linga, with the earth serving as its base. The Linga signifies that everything originates from the infinite void and ultimately dissolves back into it. It represents the axis or pivot of the revolving earth and the infinite universe, encompassing the entirety of cosmic motion and the atmosphere.

Similarly, Puranas have addressed Shivlinga by many other names like

  • Prakash Stambh Linga,
  • Agni Stambh Linga,
  • Energy Stambh Linga,
  • Cosmic Stambh Linga etc.

But during the Buddhist period, due to distortion of religion and scriptures, gender started being taken in the wrong sense, which is prevalent till today.

The Puranas are rich with diverse beliefs about the origin of the Jyotirlinga. In the Vedas, Jyotirlinga is described as the “widespread Brahmatmalinga,” signifying “expansive light.” This concept encompasses twelve facets of the Shivlinga: Brahma, Maya, Jiva, mind, intellect, Chitta, ego, sky, air, fire, water, and earth. According to the Shiv Purana, each of these elements is a manifestation of the Jyotirlinga or Jyoti Pind, illuminating the divine presence within all aspects of creation.

Rituals and worship practices

Furthermore, worshipping the Shivlinga involves a range of sacred rituals and practices that honor Lord Shiva’s divine presence. These rituals are designed to cultivate devotion, purify the mind, and seek spiritual blessings. Here are some key practices associated with Shivlinga worship:

Abhishekam

Abhishekam involves the ceremonial bathing of the Shivlinga with sacred substances such as water, gangajal, milk, honey, ghee (clarified butter), and curd. This ritual purifies and sanctifies the Shivlinga, symbolizing the divine essence and the act of cleansing one’s own soul.

Offering of Bilva Leaves

Devotees offer fresh Bilva leaves, also known as Belpatra, to the Shivlinga. I have a blog dedicated to Belpatra.

Rudrabhishek

This is a special form of Abhishekam where the Rudra mantra is recited while performing the ritual bath. The mantra invokes the blessings of Rudra, a fierce aspect of Lord Shiva. Besides it is performed to seek protection, remove obstacles and invoke divine grace.

Offering of Fruits and Flowers

Devotees offer Fruits, flowers, and other food offerings with full devotion to the Shivlinga during worship. These offerings are made as symbols of gratitude and devotion, and they help in connecting with the divine.

Lighting of Diyas

Indeed, lamps (diyas) are lit in front of the Shivlinga to pay homage. I have discussed significance of Lighting a diya in my previous blog.infact, the light symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and ignorance, and it represents the divine presence of Lord Shiva.

Recitation of Mantras and Chants

Additionally, devotees recite panch Akshara mantras such as “Om Namah Shivaya” and verses from texts like the Shiva Purana and Lingashtakshara Stotra. Also, Shiva mantra is chanted. Also, chanting these mantras helps in focusing the mind, invoking divine blessings, and enhancing spiritual connection. At the end Aarti us performed.

Observing Fasts

Likewise, devotees do often observe fasts and make vows on specific days dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as Mondays, Shrawan mas and Mahashivratri. Certainly, fasting and vows are performed to seek blessings, purify oneself, and show dedication to the divine.

These rituals and practices are integral to Shivlinga worship, each contributing to a deeper spiritual connection with Lord Shiva and embodying the essence of devotion and reverence.

Conclusion

In essence, the worship of the Shivlinga is a profound expression of devotion and reverence for Lord Shiva. Each ritual, from the sacred Abhishekam to the lighting of diyas, embodies a deep spiritual significance, drawing us closer to the divine. These practices not only honor the eternal presence of Shiva but also guide us in our own journey of purification and devotion. By now, you must be enlightented to the divine shivlingam, meaning and significance to the timeless essence of Shiva and enrich our spiritual lives, finding meaning and grace in every act of worship.

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